Riverside EpiCenter Celebrates 12 Years with New eSports Arena

It was a big weekend for one of Mableton’s favorite gathering spots! This past Saturday, January 3rd, the Riverside EpiCenter celebrated 12 years of serving our town with a birthday party themed "In Our Prime."

The energy was high, but the real highlight of the day was a look at what’s next for our youth: the official ribbon-cutting of a brand-new, professional-grade eSports arena.

A Vision Years in the Making

The highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of an eSports section within the EpiCenter’s arcade. Riverside Executive Director Dr. Christopher Boyd and Entertainment Manager Corey Webb shared the story of how this project evolved from a long-term vision into a reality.

"Esports represents more than gaming for us," Dr. Boyd shared. "It’s about meeting our community where they are and creating meaningful pathways to opportunity."

The professional-grade arena was made possible through a generous donation of equipment from the Sims family, partners with deep roots in the eSports world who believed in creating a dedicated developmental space for the west side of Atlanta.

Impact for Mableton and Beyond

The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Michael Owens and Asante Bradford with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, who both highlighted what this investment means for Mableton and the state as a whole.

Celebrating 12 Years of Service

The eSports debut was part of a larger day-long celebration that showcased everything the EpiCenter offers Mableton.

From fitness demos and career opportunities to a vibrant local marketplace, the event proved that even after 12 years, the EpiCenter is still finding new ways to be the answer to what Mableton residents are passionate about.

Want to stay connected to the local milestones shaping Mableton's future? Subscribe to The Mableton Common for free.